On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Andre Berto and Shawn Porter will collide at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in a 147-pound WBC title eliminator that will headline a Showtime card.
The co-main event will feature Jermell Charlo in his first title defense against No. 1 contender, Charles Hatley.
The Showtime telecast kicks off at 9:30 pm, EST/6:30 pm, PST.
The winner of the Berto vs. Porter bout will become a mandatory challenger for the unbeaten Keith Thurman, who earned a recent split decision over Garcia to claim a second world title.
The Charlo-Hatley bout promises to be a high-intensity bout while it lasts as both men have been verbally jabbing all week.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing‘s staff predictions for Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter and Jermell Charlo vs. Charles Hatley and let us know who you think will win.
Round By Round Boxing Staff Predictions - 2020
| Name | Win | Loss | Total Fights | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Burgos | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0.5 |
| Hans Themistode | 4 | 2 | 6 | 0.66666666666667 |
| R.L. Woodson | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0.8 |
| Robert Contreras | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
Jermell Charlo vs. Charles Hatley
Photo by Amanda Westcott/Showtime
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
I am picking Jermell Charlo by decision. I think Charles Hatley can be a tad wild with his punches, and as a result, he swings abruptly while leaving his chin exposed.
I do think Charlo has vulnerabilities himself, but I still believe he possesses greater boxing ability, and a tighter defense.
As such, I foresee a competitive fight, with Charlo defending his WBC belt successfully.
Prediction: Charlo
Ty Paul, Staff Predictions
These two Texans know each other well and should make for a intriguing scrap for Jermell Charlo’s WBC Junior Middleweight crown.
Now, Jermell doesn’t have as much power as his twin brother Jermall, but might be just a tad more slick with boxing skills.
Charles Hatley, the WBC’s No. 1 contender, will be game for this fight, as he packs pretty solid power in both hands. I think in the end it will be too much Charlo and he’ll keep his WBC strap.
Prediction: Charlo
Julio Sanchez, Photographer
Prediction: Charlo
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
Charles Hatley has not faced anyone nearly as skilled as Jermell Charlo, plus he is coming off an 18 month layoff and I actually think Jermell is the more skilled of the Charlo twins.
I think Jermell is highly effective when he stays behind his jab and sets up his shots. I have also noticed Charlo has been sitting down on his shots more, and Hatley has a suspect chin.
I think Jermell will continue his KO streak this Saturday.
Prediction: Charlo
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Charlo
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
There has been a ton of trash talk between the Jermell Charlo and Charles Hatley sides this whole week so it’ll be interesting to see if either man loses his cool in the ring.
I think Charlo is better technically and has the tools to beat Hatley. Charlo gets lazy and goes away from his jab too often, but he’s not facing an elite fighter in Hatley so I think he’ll be okay even if he’s not at his best.
Hatley’s biggest win came against Anthony Mundine on the other side of the globe, and although that was solid, I just don’t think he’s shown enough on a world class level to warrant the pick here. He’s sloppy at times and Charlo will take advantage to earn a stoppage win.
Prediction: Charlo
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter
Photo by Amanda Westcott/Showtime
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
I believe Shawn Porter will be victorious. I am not sure if Andre Berto will be able to keep Porter at bay and, as such, I see Porter’s aggression and relentlessness being crucial in sealing the victory for him.
I see Porter winning by decision, in what could be an action-packed fight.
Prediction: Porter
Ty Paul, Staff Predictions
High stakes are on the line for this Welterweight clash as the winner will be the mandatory challenger for Keith Thurman’s WBC title.
Inactivity is the story for these two as Shawn Porter fought last June (a UD loss to Thurman) and Andre Berto almost exactly a year ago (a sensational KO of Victor Ortiz).
So expect some rust in this one. It’s a pretty decent fight on paper. I don’t see anyone knocking anybody out here, but this should be a fight of work rate. I like Porter in a decision.
Prediction: Porter
Julio Sanchez, Photographer
Prediction: Porter
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
Shawn Porter has incredible pressure and ability to push the pace for all 12 rounds.
I think the pressure Porter brings will be too much for Andre Berto. I see this fight going a lot like Porter’s win over Broner.
Porter by decision.
Prediction: Porter
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Porter
Andrew Kang, Staff Writer
I see this as a match-up between two second-tier Welterweight fighters in terms of talent and marquee value.
Andre Berto has talent, but has been woefully inconsistent and uninspired, clearly not at the level some had predicted when he was a rising prospect earlier in his career.
Shawn Porter, while having had mixed results himself against some of the best Welterweight’s in the world, has fought better competition and held his own, especially in the Keith Thurman fight.
I like the grittier and more aggressive Porter to pull out a tough, but well earned decision win.
Prediction: Porter
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This should be a fun scrap, and while both can let the leather fly effectively on the inside, I think Shawn Porter’s attack is more refined and he knows how to pressure for 12 rounds.
This could also be an awful fight to watch, kind of like the Adrien Broner vs. Porter fight, but that depends if Andre Berto wants to tie Porter up on the inside every chance he gets.
If Berto scraps it’ll be fun while it lasts but I think he’ll lose via knockout.
Prediction: Porter
